Identifying Low-Risk Upper GI Bleeds for Safe Outpatient Management

A simple scale can identify patients who do not require hospitalization or early endoscopy.

Most patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) are hospitalized, although most do not die; rebleed; or require urgent endoscopic therapy, transfusion, or surgery. Researchers in Scotland investigated whether the previously published Glasgow-Blatchford bleeding score (GBS) was useful for prospectively identifying patients with UGIB (hematemesis, coffee-ground vomitus, or melena) who could be discharged home safely. Patients score “0” on the GBS if they have the following characteristics:

Hemoglobin level >12.9 g/dL (men) or >11.9 g/dL (women)
Systolic blood pressure >109 mm Hg
Pulse <100/minute
Blood urea nitrogen level <18.2 mg/dL
No melena or syncope
No past or present liver disease or heart failure

In phase 1 of this multicenter study…

Reviewing Author

Bruce Soloway, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsNew RoAR News (http://www.newroarnews.org)

Bruce Soloway, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsNew RoAR News (http://www.newroarnews.org)

Identifying Low-Risk Upper GI Bleeds for Safe Outpatient Management

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Reviewing Author